Why must I be the thief? Why must I be the thief? Oh Lord please won't you tell me, Why must I be the thief. Why must I be the thief He said to the hanging man And how come you're the only one That's black around, that always stares Why must I be the thief He asked of the hanging man And how come you're the only one Who lived with an open hand Now why must I be the thief You've cursed with many clouds And the hanging man without his hand Looked beyond his heart The thief was drawn to the cross To share that other's fate But the Jesus man said "Not now" "My brother not now, it's far too late" (far too late) (7x) Do what you must Take what you can Steal the pride from every heart, Every angered man (3x) I am the thief I am the thief And you will run Yes and you will hide But I'll get you then Yes I will Because of you, because it's justified. I will get you yet Cause it's justified I will get you yet It's justified I will get you yet It's justified